Nearly two decades after the last mainline two-dimensional entry in Konami’s long-running vampiric adventure franchise, developer Evil Empire has taken up the mantle with Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse. Early critical assessments published across gaming outlets describe a gothic experience blending traditional pillars with modern action-platformer conventions.
Rose Belmont Fights Demons in Paris
Rose Belmont investigates demonic unrest in Paris around twenty-three years after the events of Castlevania III: Dracula’s Curse during a journey lasting roughly ten to fifteen hours. As the daughter of Trevor Belmont and Sypha Belnades, she grapples with her family legacy and anger while her mother passes away off-screen in childbirth, leaving behind a mysterious set of Tarot cards that grant magical attacks.
The Guardian reports that combat stands as the strongest component of the game, emphasizing frenetic, twitch-based action over traditional role-playing elements. Players choose from seven unique weapon categories—including a sword, sword and shield, spear, fists, great sword, dual swords, and the family’s signature whips—with Arcana and Relics providing additional abilities. Battles require focus and dodge management against heavy-hitting minions, though some critics observed that Rose’s movements can feel somewhat stiff when transitioning between attacks and dodges.
Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse gets a 10 on Gamespot! Thanks to @BangZoom and everyone at Konami for gifting me with Trevor Belmont!!https://t.co/0Vk2mBA6iK
Platforming Challenges Meet Modern Game Conveniences
A significant portion of the map design is devoted to platforming challenges featuring buzzsaws, blood pits, and acrobatic maneuvers like air dashes. Reviewers pointed out a distinct contrast between puzzle-heavy areas, such as the castle library and a cathedral hidden within a cursed portrait, and less inspired underground combat sections.
PCMag Middle East and IGN noted the inclusion of modern conveniences such as area percentage trackers and map markers. The game replaces spam-able potions with healing vials that recharge at save points, while standard candle-lit hearts are substituted by blue mana globs and collectible heart pieces that expand health and magic bars.
Critics Praise Game Despite Some Genre Concerns
Critical response has been largely positive, though some reviewers felt that smoothing over certain distinctive series tropes left the title feeling more like a genre trend-chaser or a Metroidvania wearing a superficial Castlevania skin compared to contemporaries like Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown or Hollow Knight: Silksong.
How long fans will have to wait for future installments remains unknown, and whether subsequent entries will maintain this balance of modern soulslike mechanics and classic gothic exploration.
Castlevania: Belmont’s CurseRelease times are as follows:New YorkPS5®/XBOX/Nintendo Switch™/Steam®: October 15, 12:00 AM EDT#Castlevania #CastlevaniaBC pic.twitter.com/zKkEklRvzU